All we know of 'Tommy Gun' Russ and 'Pistola Packen' Laura at this point
is that they lived a rather fast and furious life. Rumored to be
connected (to what we do not know) but they were
believed to be compared to that of somewhere between Charles 'Lucky'
Luciano, Bonnie & Clyde, and Al Capone, with a little Robin Hood thrown in
between (but we'll leave that one up to you to decipher - checkout the $Money-Bags$
in the crates of
the picture above).

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They were well liked by some with their generosity, and admonished by
others. Alleged to have friends and relatives abroad (ties to the well-known Figliomeni
Family) as well as friends and acquaintances in several renowned countries
abroad. Able to speak at least 3-4 languages, it's been rumored they traveled feverishly around the country
and overseas as well in their time.

If you have heard of or seen any other pictures of Tommy
Gun Russ, Pistola Laura, or their relatives please let us know
so we can add
them to the collection.

submitted by relatives of Adeline F. Harper
Owner and Proprietor of a Minneapolis Boarding House during that time period.

A Letter from one of Adeline F. Harpers children:

"They were very pleasant and generous people that we all remember (speaking of Russ and Laura). We of
course did not know anything of there background or occupation at least
during that time.

"You have to understand it was tough going during those days and a lot of
people were doing what they had to and could to help each other out and
get by. Somehow, it seems looking back they were just always willing to
give and help out a little bit more than others."

"We didn't learn anything of their notorious past lives until much later,
and then it didn't seem to matter much anymore when we thought of all the
things that they did with and for folks. They never killed anyone (that we
knew of or disserved it), scared them a little I suppose but never hurt
anyone."

"Seems funny now to look back and see these old photo's, to think back on
those times. I suppose at some point and time my mother obtained these
photo's from them as a gift of some kind or humorous gesture. I venture to
guess probably taken from the same time period or day of the picture you
have on your site.

We and many others of that era/area have nothing but fond memories of
those two.